Extraordinary Light

It's really not an uncommon word yet one not often used to describe a person - that word is "extraordinary." We may not use the word so much but we certainly know "extraordinary" when we see it. The two words combined - extra + ordinary - describes one who is ... extra ordinary. This word is used to describe Daniel: "Then this Daniel, because of the extraordinary spirit within him, began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and the satraps, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire realm." (Daniel 6:3 AMP). In its context, this verse tells us there was something about Daniel that surpassed others, and the king took notice! From this, it is safe to conclude Daniel was extremely capable to do his job well; in the context of Daniel's life, however, we can also conclude there was something extraordinarily pleasing to God in Daniel's spirit. How often do we look toward what we've been equipped and called to do but we lack the proper attitude? God says to us, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Lest we forget, Daniel had been taken unwillingly from his home and subjected to pagan customs and kings yet he had an extraordinary spirit - his good attitude set him apart from others. As children of God we are commanded to "do all things without grumbling ... that we may be blameless ... children of God ... without blemish in the midst of a crooked world" - yes, we are to "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV). The corruption around us, however, tends to corrupt our attitudes and diminish our ability to "shine as light" as commanded. Daniel is a model for each of us: even in the worst of circumstances, he remained positive, faithful and one of an excellent spirit. Paul wrote, "have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5 ESV). I like the two-word word ... extraordinary, and that's the kind of light I want to be ... an extraordinary light.

Sweetest Gift

If you haven't discovered the benefits of e-clubs, you must check 'em out! Aside from interesting news and discounts from the vendor, occasionally there's a freebie - a free appetizer or dessert or product. Perhaps like me, you've been a Believer - a born-again child of God - a long time, and you need reminding (like me) about the free gift we have received from our Heavenly Father. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." and Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." By its very definition, a gift is something presented, transferred by one person to another without compensation (Noah Webster, 1828). Some of the sweetest gifts I've received have been those "just because" gifts - no special occasion like birthday, Christmas or Valentine's Day. Gifts given just because the giver found delight in me and showed me with a gift. This is The Gift we have been given by The Father through His only Son, Jesus. We were unlovable, unworthy and undeserving of anything yet God showed His love for us (Romans 5:8) - God loved the world so much He gave His only Son (John 3:16) - God set us free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) - God saved us by His grace as a gift (Romans 3:24). We should always be grateful for gifts but for God's Gift, the gratitude should run deepest: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3 ESV). Thank you, LORD, for Your ... sweetest gift.

Shout Joyfully

SHOUT JOYFULLY. Of the many things I learned from my Mom, one is this: first impressions matter greatly! There will only be one "first impression" of something - yes, only one. As a general rule, our ideas and opinions of something are formed from that very first impression, and those ideas and opinions are often difficult to overcome. Psalm 100:1 (AMP) says, "Shout joyfully to the LORD all the earth." This is a command and an invitation to God's people to make some noise about the God Whom they say they love and adore! I'm sure we all can agree there is lots of shoutin' going on in this world today - not the kind of joyful shouting of this verse. From all corners of this earth, we hear see and hear mankind shouting (sudden and loud outbursts) about many things. The one thing, however, that seems to be missing is the voices of those who love The Lord and Creator of all things. Sadly, I fear we more-than-not lead the way in silence; that is, neglecting to speak-of and to testify to the rest of the world the greatness of our God. The psalmist continues, "Serve the LORD with gladness and delight; come before His Presence with joyful singing. Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the LORD Himself is God; it is He Who has made us ... We are His people." (V.2-3, AMP). The world's shouting will not end until Christ returns - expect it to continue. Those who love The LORD, however, can and should and must give voice to the evidence of His Greatness. We don't have to be loud or obnoxious but we can joyfully speak of Him in how we live our lives to the cashier at the store where we shop, the co-worker that sits at the desk nearby, the guy who changes the oil in our car, the voice at the other end of the drive-through, the representative who answers our call to customer service ... absolutely anyone and all with whom we engage each day. Our "shouts" of joy should be evident in every area of our lives, and those shouts should be joyful and delightful ... very different than the world's. God has invited us to let our lives speak of The Lord to Whom we belong ... shout joyfully. Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Only If

There's an otherwise "little" word that really ain't so "little" - that word is ... if. Just think about the incidents of utter foolishness we've experience just because we didn't consider the if-factor: trying to make one trip from car-to-house as we unload the groceries and the eggs didn't make it or climbing a ladder when we know better. Proverbs 2 begins with these words: "My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you ..." (V.1). Unfortunately, it is our nature to default to our own intellect and wisdom, and ultimately that's the problem: we just aren't as intelligent nor wise as we think. God continues, "... So that your ear is attentive to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding ... then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God ... for the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (V.2, 5-6). Like a good father, God will not withhold His perfect knowledge, wisdom and understanding but He will not force it on us either! Such valuable and Godly riches are ours - only if...

True Measure

How do we describe a person who speaks their mind clearly with no hidden agendas, whose actions match their words? A good description of that person who is honest, direct and consistent is ... sincere. It reminds me of a rather humorous way this has been said: "I says what I means and means what I says." God seriously cares about the sincerity of the Believer's heart! Truth is, as hard as we may try, no one can manufacture a sincere heart. "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart" (Proverbs 21:2 ESV). In ancient times a touchstone was used to determine the validity of genuine precious metals. The touchstone was a black, fine-grained stone like basalt or jasper; the metal [in question] was rubbed against the touchstone and the streaks left behind on the touchstone would be compared to known pure samples. John wrote that the one who hopes in Christ purifies himself as Christ is pure. (1 John 3:3). Jesus is our touchstone - The One with which we measure the sincerity of our hearts - there is no other valid measure. The Puritan Thomas Watson said, "there may be a fair complexion when the lungs and vitals are rotten." I suggest too many Christ-followers spent too much time on their complexion while our hearts suffer terrible neglect. It is the heart God sees, weighs, tests and approves because "the Lord sees not as man sees - man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV). A pure heart is a sincere heart; it's the heart's ... true measure.